Session Overview

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, individuals with intellectual disabilities are using smartphones, social media, online gaming, messaging platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital communication more than ever before. While these technologies offer meaningful opportunities for connection, independence, education, employment, and self-advocacy, they also introduce unique risks that many professionals feel unprepared to navigate. This practical, evidence-informed workshop equips social workers and helping professionals with the knowledge, ethical framework, and practical strategies needed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities in safely navigating today's digital world. Participants will explore how to balance safety with autonomy, recognize emerging online risks, respond to exploitation, and promote digital citizenship while respecting the individual's rights, dignity, and self-determination.

Presenters:

Joanna Conrad

Joanna Conrad is the Executive Director of Youth Diversion, a community-based organization serving children, youth, young adults, and families across Windsor-Essex, Ontario. With more than 20 years of experience in youth justice, prevention, family intervention, and community leadership, Joanna has dedicated her career to helping vulnerable populations build resilience, strengthen relationships, and navigate complex social challenges. In addition to her leadership role, Joanna is a part-time instructor in the Community Justice Services program at St. Clair College, where she teaches courses in restorative justice, conflict management, ethics, and the Canadian criminal justice system. She is an engaging and sought-after presenter who has delivered training to professionals, educators, police services, parents, and community organizations on topics including youth justice, restorative practices, digital safety, social media, artificial intelligence, online exploitation, human trafficking, and the impact of technology on children, youth, and vulnerable populations. As the mother of a daughter with Down syndrome, Joanna is particularly passionate about promoting digital independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She combines professional expertise with lived experience to help professionals balance safety, autonomy, and inclusion in today's increasingly digital world.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this continuing education training, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize the benefits, risks, and emerging digital trends affecting individuals with intellectual disabilities, including social media, online relationships, AI, and online exploitation.
2. Apply ethical, person-centered approaches that balance safety, autonomy, dignity of risk, and supported decision-making when addressing digital safety concerns.
3. Apply practical strategies to promote digital literacy, respond to online risks, and support individuals and families in developing safer, more independent digital practices

Continuing Education Credits:

• Attendees can obtain 2 social work CECH upon completing the training, payment, quiz, and evaluation.
• A downloadable CECH certificate will be available upon completion of all requirements.
• Participants must attend the entire event to receive credit.

Cost:$25

Attendees can obtain 2 social work CECH’s upon completion of the training, payment receipt and passing of the post-training quiz. A CECH certificate will be available for download upon completion of the aforementioned items.

RSVP Information:

All attendees must RSVP for this training. A zoom link will be provided via email upon completing the RSVP process